Advent Wine Argyros Santorini Assyrtiko
It’s almost Christmas! Really really almost Christmas! This was the second to last bottle of wine in my Advent box ‘o wines. This was also the final disguised for blind tasting bottle. Of course I would end on a blind tasting. But, let’s see if I manage to go out with dignity.
Energetic and mouthwatering with distinctive sea spray salinity that made me think: hmmm, I know you! High, lively acidity, medium-bodied, guessing moderate alcohol. Citrus and sea water … an Assyrtiko from Santorini.
And my guess is … correct! Although whether or not I can really claim this as a win, I don’t know. Unfortunately, I did not forget well enough which wines I’d selected to include in the box. I knew there was a Greek wine lurking in there somewhere.
Estate Argyros Santorini Assyrtiko, 2015
Estate Argyros has a long history on Santorini having been established in 1903. It is a well-known estate, having the largest (private) vineyard holdings on the island (120 hectare). Currently in the hands of the fourth generation of the Argyros family, these vineyards include vines that average 70 years old as well as some that exceed 200 years.
This 100% Assyrtiko is the winery’s ultimate expression of Assyrtiko. Grapes come from selected parcels, from vines averaging 100-120 years of age, from top quality areas of the island, mainly Messaria, Karterados, Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Akrotiri. Vinified in then aged sur lie for three months in stainless steel.
Appearance: brilliant, medium lemon
Alcohol: 14% abv
Nose: Intense saline, flint, lime, beeswax
Palate: Dry in the way of an excellent Riesling that first dried out my mouth completely before the vibrant acidity broke through allowing waves of intense lime zest, flint, and sea spray to wash over the tongue to a lingering finish. Medium-bodied despite the high alcohol (yes, I called that wrong!) but so well balanced that the high alcohol is not at all discernable.